Still researching about how I can beef up my suspension without going over to the point of diminishing returns. My truck has a GVWR of 6K but I say an F-150 4x4 with a GVWR of 6.5K. I also know that the F-250LD is like a beefed up F-150 and has a higher GVWR. So what makes the -150 and -250LD beefier than my "stock" -150? I am hoping to increase the GVWR rating by 500 lbs atleast by adding helper springs but I want to know up to how much tonnage can the truck actually able to handle. As far as I know, -250 uses the same frame as -150 but with beefier springs, but what else differenciates the two as far as load capacity is concerned? And what makes 4x4's have a higher GVWR, is it just the extra leaf or does it have stronger axles too? Something to do with wheels?

Leo "Frozen Fish Guy" dC

99 F-150 SC
4.2l Triton 3.55 Auto
K&N
Glasstite Targa Shell

 

I'm told that beefier leaf springs is the only difference. I regularly carry 1500 - 200lbs in my 97' F150 with no problems. A slight miss-calculation while sodding my yard once made my poor truck carry 2600lbs. Nothing broke but I learned that these trucks are highly underrated in there carrying capacity. 1500lbs will not even push the frame bumpers all the way down to the axle. once the bumpers hit the axle do not load any more. I bought mine used so I don't know if it all stock but I think it is. Good luck.

 

I believe the F-150 wheels are incapable of handling the additional weight that the F-250LD can.
I also believe that the wheels will be able to take the weight for a "short" time.
Along with the stronger wheels, the F-250 may also have a heavier axle.
You can overload ANY truck without breaking something if you're cautious. I once had 3400 pounds of Blocks & Chimney liners in a 3/4 ton International. Only ONCE. Didn't break anything but never exceeded 35MPH (not sure I could have anyway )
All vehicles have one component that'll give out before the others. I hope you're not on the hiway with me when yours does. I bet a ton of frozen fish would cause quite a mess.
Good Luck - and Be Careful out there

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1999 F-250 XLT Super Duty Crew Cab Long Bed
V-10, Automatic 4R100, 4.30 Limited Slip.
GVW = 6700# Towing Capacity = 13,300#
4 Wheel ABS disks + Reese 15K hitch
Dark Hunter Green. Ford Running Boards.
Grey Rhino-Liner. Captain's Chairs. CD+Tape
Polished Stainless Steel Wheel-well Molding http://members.home.net/jchartier/jnctrk.html

 

My friend has a 97 F-250LD and it came with the 5.4, E40D auto trans and the rear end/axle is 9.75".
He also has 4 wheel disc brakes.


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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, 4.6, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs

 

For more info. on F 250 LD check out the postings under "Other F Series", "What makes an F 250?"

Over loading an axle will result in premature bearing failure. This is more important than bottoming out the springs. This is why just adding more spring capacity or tire capacity will not improve load capacity. The entire system needs to be evaluated to determine what gains you can realistically achieve. It boils down to what is the most cost effective. If you like to replace worn parts, an F 150's load carrying capacity is virtually unlimited, but not necessarily safe.

GVWR refers to the maximum allowable weight the truck can be with all loadings considered. The 4x4, since it is heavier due to the driven front axle, transfer case, and other components, actually has a lower payload capacity than an identical GVWR 4x2. In other words, the 4x4 drivetrain's weight consumes some of the payload capacity.